Detroit Lions hire new head athletic trainer to replace the retiring Dean Kleinschmidt

The Detroit Lions announced Monday they have hired Kevin Bastin as their head athletic trainer. He replaces Dean Kleinschmidt, who will retire during the 2014 season after serving 40 years in the league.

Bastin will oversee the team's medical operations, including the athletic training staff and team physicians, according to a release issued by the team.

"Kevin brings extensive knowledge and expertise in the field of athletic medicine and the care of NFL players," president Tom Lewand said in the statement. "He will provide exceptional direction to our medical support and athletic training initiatives.

"Nothing is more important than our players' health, and we believe Kevin will contribute significantly to our ability to provide world-class medical support in all areas, including maintenance, diagnosis, education, treatment and rehabilitation."

Bastin has 20 years of NFL experience, first serving as Washington's assistant athletic trainer from 1989-2001 before being promoted to head athletic trainer with the Houston Texans from 2001-2009.

He was part of the NFL's training staff of the year with Washington in 1995.

Since his exit from the league, Bastin served as the director of athletic training services for the Memorial Hermann Ironman Sports Institute in Houston.

The Quiet Dell, W.Va., native earned a bachelor's degree in physical education and athletic training from West Virginia University and a master's degree in sport health from the University of Miami (Fla.). Hee was inducted into West Virginia University's College of Physical Activity and Sport Science Hall of Fame in 2013.